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Oxford Committee hears Furnace Brook turtle restoration plan, celebrates new pedestrian bridge and approves small community measures
Summary
Township officials reviewed a volunteer-led Furnace Brook wood-turtle habitat clearing planned for winter at no cost to the township, discussed potential solar impacts, celebrated completion of a pedestrian bridge before school starts, approved a $3,000 library match, and handled resident complaints about hazardous trees and dumpster hours.
Oxford Township Committee members on Aug. 21 discussed a volunteer restoration proposal for Furnace Brook intended to support wood-turtle habitat, received project and infrastructure updates, and heard public concerns about hazardous trees and limited dumpster hours.
Meredith Ferris and Lee Geller reported they met by Zoom with two people proposing to clear brush in a limited area of Furnace Brook to support the growth of wood turtles. The volunteers proposed doing the work between December and February, at no cost to the Township, and requested a 10-year agreement not to relocate their work. Mayor Gerald Norton said the site could have potential for solar development in the future and asked Township Attorney Rich Wenner to review whether the restoration work would affect future site plans.
Committee members also noted that the township’s new pedestrian bridge is complete and ready before the start of the school year. Committee members thanked Donna Becker from the engineer’s office and other partners for their work. Linda Koufodontes said the library received a $3,100 statement and the Committee voted to provide $3,000 in matching funds; that motion passed unanimously.
On park and lake business, the Committee adjusted lake hours to accommodate the school schedule, approved the regular crew for a goose hunt organized by Surfs Up, and noted Youth Day is scheduled for Oct. 5. Several residents spoke during public comment with safety and convenience concerns: Spencer Nicholson asked who would be responsible if a hazardous tree on Henderson Road fell; Mike Walsh said parts of the tree had already damaged a fence and swing set and said families lacked funds to remove it; Sharon Keanon said the dumpster hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. are inconvenient and requested expanded access.
Mayor Norton moved and the Committee approved a property-survey to determine responsibility for a dead tree complaint; Township Engineer Mike Finelli said the fee for the survey would be between $300 and $500 and could be completed the following week. Georgette Miller moved to approve the survey; Linda Koufodontes seconded and the motion carried.
The Committee briefly entered executive session at 7:16 p.m. to discuss contractual matters involving Valley Wellness, Surfs Up and Solar Stone, returned at 7:38 p.m., and took no formal action. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Topics flagged for follow-up include the attorney’s review of any site-plan implications for Furnace Brook work and scheduling of any needed remediation for hazardous trees identified by residents.
